Kinshasa awaits proof of rebel retreat

Nov. 28 - The Government of Democratic Republic of Congo is awaiting proof that M23 rebels are withdrawing from towns seized last week. Deborah Lutterbeck reports.

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Rebels in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo say they are withdrawing from two towns captured from government troops.
The move follows a deal brokered by Uganda.
(SOUNDBITE) (Kiswahili) M23 MILITARY COMMANDER BRIGADIER GENERAL SULTANI MAKENGA, SAYING:
"Our forces have already started pulling out of villages. Later we will pull out our forces from Goma."
While the so-called M23 rebels are giving up recent gains, there's no indication they are ending their insurgency.
In Kinshasa the government is skeptical.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN, LAMBERT MENDE, SAYING:
"Ladies and gentlemen, even though the retreat has been announced our government is waiting to see the results. Rebels, and those who support them do not always keep their promises."
The revolt against Congo's government raised the risk of all-out war in a country dogged by nearly two decades of conflict that killed about 5 million people.